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Here's a question. In reading this article and in traditional thought, we should sit straight, pelvis tucked, but relaxed. In traditonal Zen schools, one's posture is corrected, however, I sometimes find myself slouching during zazen and feel comfortable. I have some great sits out of correct posture. Can this "slouching" posture be ok?

I have some great sits out of correct posture. Can this "slouching" posture be ok?

The thing is what do you consider a "great sit" (vs. "bad sit")? IMHO we should drop all judgments of good or bad - we just sit. No sit is better or worse than another.

I assume you mean a sit with lots of blue sky (vs. stormy sits). My personal take is this: if you have lots of blue sky slouching, then slouch! (supposed this does not cause any pain or damages your body).
I am pretty sure this is not the traditional way though and many teachers will disagree.

As soon as I slouch during sitting, this leads to back pain, so I always take care to sit upright (not military style though).

Here's a question. In reading this article and in traditional thought, we should sit straight, pelvis tucked, but relaxed. In traditonal Zen schools, one's posture is corrected, however, I sometimes find myself slouching during zazen and feel comfortable. I have some great sits out of correct posture. Can this "slouching" posture be ok?

This is a great question because I'm probably a little bit of a slouch. I always seem to be making adjustments so I feel comfortable and balanced. So if you feel comfortable the slouching may just be an idea and not real anymore. I think you just have to figure it out for yourself.

ive always heard about things such as the rigidness and strictness of zen, and that you MUST sit up as straight as possible during meditation. what ive gathered from taigus video and from other teachers, is to sit more naturally? not necessarly slouching, but the spine does bend some? please correct me if I misunderstood. gassho, Justin.

Slouching, no. Rigidity, no. A natural vertical spine without tension and a well orientated zafu. Good or bad zazen is an irrelevant stuff.

Check my vids again, an AT teacher would put you on a great track for sitting the body-mind. So would your own exploration and patience. But it is so easy to fool oneself as to if the sitting is balanced or not.

Thank you graciously Taigu. These instructions are so meaningful in helping me understand Zazen. I have been learning a great deal from the teachings and videos for new beginners and this compliments them perfectly.

Gassho
Dali.

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all beings rejoice in the well-being of others.
May all beings live in peace, free from greed and hatred.